Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

Sweet & Nutty Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

Sweet honey roasted stuffed dates represent a delightful culinary creation that changes simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer or dessert.

These tender fruits offer a luxurious canvas for creative fillings and complementary flavors.

Decadent and rich, honey roasted stuffed dates balance natural sweetness with sophisticated textures that tantalize the palate.

Their elegant simplicity belies the complex taste experience waiting to unfold.

Nutritious and indulgent, these morsels combine wholesome ingredients with gourmet potential that elevates any gathering or meal.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of soft, crunchy, and smooth sensations that dance across your taste buds.

The magical combination of honey golden warmth and dates’ natural caramel notes creates an irresistible treat.

Why Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates Are a Delight

  • Burst with Flavor Explosion: Honey roasted dates combine sweet, savory, and herbal notes that dance together in a single bite, creating an unexpected taste symphony.
  • Quick and Easy Gourmet Delight: This recipe requires minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, transforming basic components into an impressive appetizer that looks professionally crafted.
  • Versatile Party Showstopper: Perfect for elegant gatherings, casual get-togethers, or unexpected entertaining moments, these stuffed dates offer a sophisticated yet approachable dish that impresses guests without complicated techniques.
  • Nutrient-Packed Indulgence: Packed with heart-healthy walnuts, protein-rich feta, and natural sweetness from dates, this recipe delivers a delicious treat that feels both indulgent and nutritionally balanced.

Ingredients for Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

Dates:
  • Medjool Dates: Sweet, large dates perfect for stuffing, with a soft and chewy texture that creates a delicious base for this appetizer.
Cheese:
  • Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheeses that add rich flavor and provide a salty, savory contrast to the sweet dates.
Nuts and Herbs:
  • Walnuts, Rosemary, Scallions, Parsley: Crunchy nuts and fresh herbs that bring texture, aromatic depth, and vibrant green notes to the dish.
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that adds a golden glaze and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to bind ingredients and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
  • Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes that provide a fresh, zesty accent.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the other ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

  • Select Perfect Dates: Choose plump, soft Medjool dates for the most luxurious texture and natural sweetness.
  • Master Cheese Coating: Ensure feta is thoroughly coated in honey and Parmesan for maximum flavor and crispy exterior.
  • Balance Herb Blend: Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly across the walnut topping without overwhelming the delicate date.
  • Control Baking Time: Watch dates carefully during roasting to prevent burning and maintain a golden, crisp topping.
  • Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy these appetizers immediately after baking while cheese is melted and topping remains crunchy.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each date individually in plastic wrap to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Reheat: Warm dates gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery and dates from turning tough.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the delicate texture of cheese and dates. Fresh preparation ensures the best taste and presentation.

What to Pair with Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

  • Pair with Sparkling White Wine: A crisp, slightly sweet Prosecco or Champagne complements the honey's sweetness and cuts through the rich, creamy feta, creating a delightful flavor balance.
  • Match with Herbal Gin Cocktail: A botanical gin cocktail with rosemary or thyme notes enhances the herb-infused walnut topping, elevating the dish's aromatic complexity.
  • Serve alongside Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the warm, sweet, and savory stuffed dates, adding a refreshing element to the plate.
  • Complement with Aged Gouda: A nutty, slightly sharp aged Gouda cheese offers a robust flavor that harmonizes with the walnuts and feta, creating a sophisticated taste experience.

Different Takes on Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

  • Mediterranean Stuffed Sensation: Replace walnuts with pine nuts and add crumbled goat cheese alongside feta for a richer Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Moroccan Style: Incorporate harissa paste into the walnut mixture and swap rosemary with ground cumin and coriander for a bold, warm spice experience.
  • Blue Cheese Bold Bite: Substitute feta with creamy blue cheese and sprinkle crushed pistachios over the topping for an intense, nutty flavor combination.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Indulgence: Wrap each stuffed date with a thin slice of crispy bacon before baking, creating a savory and sweet appetizer that adds extra depth and crunch.

How to Make Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warmly heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating a cozy baking environment.

Step 2: Create Nutty Herb Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Sliced scallions
  • Chopped parsley
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Orange zest
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend ingredients until they form a fragrant, textured mixture.

Step 3: Cheese Coating Technique

Grab two small containers:
  • First bowl: Pour honey
  • Small plate: Spread shredded Parmesan cheese

Dip each feta piece into honey, then roll in Parmesan until completely covered.

Step 4: Stuff Sweet Dates

Carefully slice dates open and gently tuck the honey-coated Parmesan feta inside each one.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

Place stuffed dates in a casserole dish.

Sprinkle the prepared nutty herb topping evenly across the dates.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes until dates are warm and topping turns golden brown.

Step 7: Final Finishing Touch

Remove from oven.

Drizzle with extra honey.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

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Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

Honey Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet Middle Eastern dates become luxurious treats when stuffed with creamy goat cheese and almonds, then drizzled with golden honey. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, offering a perfect balance of nutty crunch and silky sweetness in one elegant bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (280 grams) Medjool dates, pitted and sliced open on one side
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • ¾ cup (75 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Nuts and Herbs:

  • ⅓ cup (40 grams) walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or arugula)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the culinary workspace’s thermal chamber to a precise 375°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the delicate appetizer.
  2. Craft a vibrant topping by amalgamating chopped walnuts, finely minced rosemary, delicate scallion slivers, verdant parsley, fragrant olive oil, golden honey, zesty orange essence, and a whisper of seasoning until the mixture achieves harmonious integration.
  3. Prepare the cheese transformation by immersing each feta fragment into liquid honey, then gracefully enveloping it with a delicate Parmesan cheese mantle, ensuring complete and elegant coverage.
  4. Gently liberate each date’s interior, creating a tender pocket that will cradle the honey-kissed, cheese-adorned morsel with precision and care.
  5. Strategically position the cheese-laden dates within a ceramic vessel, providing ample breathing room between each delicacy.
  6. Generously cascade the prepared walnut medley across the assembled dates, distributing the aromatic mixture with artful intention.
  7. Transfer the culinary composition into the preheated thermal chamber, allowing approximately 15 minutes of transformative roasting until the topping achieves a golden, enticing complexion and the dates radiate warmth.
  8. Extract the dish from the thermal environment, embellish with an additional honeyed drizzle, and present immediately to captivate eager palates.

Notes

  • Prep these delectable morsels ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator and baking just before serving to maintain their irresistible warmth and texture.
  • Transform simple ingredients into an elegant starter that’ll surprise guests with complex layers of taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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